A physician who witnessed the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis has come forward with disturbing allegations about how federal agents handled the situation after the gunfire stopped, claiming that life-saving medical care was not immediately provided.
The incident comes less than a month after another deadly encounter involving federal immigration enforcement. On January 7, 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was killed during an ICE operation, prompting heightened scrutiny of federal use-of-force policies. Now, the death of Alex Pretti — also 37 — has further intensified public concern nationwide.
Pretti, an ICU nurse, was present in Minneapolis amid ongoing demonstrations related to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts. Federal agents have been operating throughout the city as part of broader immigration actions.
Shooting Recorded by Multiple Witnesses
Video footage from several angles shows Pretti being shot by ICE agents during a chaotic confrontation. Based on the recordings, Pretti appeared to be restrained on the ground when the shots were fired.
Soon after the incident, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement saying the agent involved acted in self-defense and that Pretti was carrying a firearm at the time.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara later stated that Pretti was believed to be a lawful gun owner and held a valid permit to carry.
Eyewitness Account Filed in Court
A key witness — a medical doctor whose sworn statement has been submitted in federal court — said they did not observe Pretti threatening officers or displaying a weapon during the encounter.
“I saw him shouting at the ICE agents, but I did not see him attack anyone or brandish a firearm,” the physician stated.
According to the account, an ICE agent pushed Pretti to the ground, after which multiple agents pointed their weapons at him.
“I then witnessed the agents shoot him multiple times,” the statement continued, estimating six to seven shots.
Claims of Improper Medical Response
After the shooting, the physician said they attempted to assist Pretti but were troubled by the response from federal agents at the scene.
The doctor reported that agents appeared to focus on counting the number of gunshot wounds rather than checking vital signs or initiating CPR.
“I was confused by the way he was positioned,” the physician explained. “Standard emergency care involves checking for a pulse and beginning resuscitation efforts. Instead, the agents appeared to be counting bullet wounds.”
The allegation has raised questions about whether proper medical protocols were followed after the use of deadly force.
Conflicting Narratives Remain
Federal officials have stated that Pretti posed a serious threat to law enforcement, while his family and eyewitnesses have strongly disputed that claim. Pretti’s relatives have asked the public to help ensure that all available evidence is reviewed and that the full truth is made public.
As investigations continue, the case has become part of a broader national discussion about federal law enforcement practices, emergency medical obligations, and accountability following fatal encounters.
Community advocates and civil rights groups continue to call for an independent review of the shooting and the actions taken afterward.